Traction device

ABSTRACT

A traction device including a ring member, a carrier, and a sun member and an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupled to at least one of the ring member, the carrier, and the sun member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Nos. 62/651,459 filed on Apr. 2, 2018; 62/651,518 filed onApr. 2, 2018; 62/651,940 filed on Apr. 3, 2018; 62/652,042 filed on Apr.3, 2018; 62/652,413 filed on Apr. 4, 2018; 62/652,438 filed on Apr. 4,2018; 62/653,084 filed on Apr. 5, 2018; 62/653,146 filed on Apr. 5,2018; and 62/655,492 filed on Apr. 10, 2018, which are fullyincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a vehicle, and moreparticularly to a traction device for the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Multi-speed planetary based automatic transmissions with an increasingnumber of discrete ratios are increasing in popularity and acceptancedue in large part to the cost of fuel and greenhouse carbon emissiongovernment regulations for internal combustion engine vehicles. Becausefuel economy is in part proportional to the total ratio span in thetransmission, it is expected that the trend towards a larger number ofdiscrete gears and a wider span will continue.

A conventional geared planetary is limited within a certain ratio rangedue to issues of manufacturability, pinion speed constraints, noiseconcerns etc. However, a traction drive transmission device used as aplanetary connection in an automatic transmission releases theconstraints on ratio range and eliminates the speed and noise concernsassociated with geared planetaries. Therefore, an automatic transmissioncomposed of traction planetaries in various combinations andarrangements is capable of achieving a wider span and contains lessconstraints on the selection of discrete ratios within that range.

SUMMARY

Provided herein may be an electric actuator device including: a tractionplanetary device having a ring member, a carrier, and a sun member; andan electric motor, wherein the electric motor may be coupled to thecarrier.

In certain embodiments of the electric actuator device, the ring membermay be configured to transfer rotational power out of the electricactuator device.

In certain embodiments of the electric actuator device, the sun membermay be configured to transfer rotational power out of the electricactuator device.

Provided herein may be an electric actuator device including: a tractionplanetary device having a ring member, a carrier, and a sun member andan electric motor, wherein the electric motor may be coupled to the ringmember.

In certain embodiments of the electric actuator device, the carrier maybe configured to transfer rotational power out of the electric actuatordevice.

In certain embodiments of the electric actuator device, the sun membermay be configured to transfer rotational power out of the electricactuator device.

Provided herein may be an electric actuator device having: a tractionplanetary device having a ring member, a carrier, and a sun member; andan electric motor, wherein the electric motor may be coupled to the sunmember.

In certain embodiments of the electric actuator device, the ring membermay be configured to transfer rotational power out of the electricactuator device.

In certain embodiments of the electric actuator device, the carrier maybe configured to transfer rotational power out of the electric actuatordevice.

Provided herein may be an electric powertrain having: a motor/generator;a first traction drive transmission having a first ring member, a firstnon-rotatable traction planet carrier configured to support a pluralityof traction rollers, and a first sun member coupled to themotor/generator; a second traction drive transmission having a secondring member, a second non-rotatable traction planet carrier, and asecond sun member coupled to the first ring member; a first pinion gearhaving a hollow central bore, the first pinion gear coupled to thesecond ring member; and a shaft coupled to the second sun member and thefirst ring member, the shaft passing through the hollow central bore.

In certain embodiments of the electric powertrain, a second pinion gearmay be coupled to the first pinion gear, the second pinion gearconfigured to transmit rotational power.

In certain embodiments of the electric powertrain, the plurality oftraction rollers are conical in shape.

In certain embodiments of the electric powertrain, the first pinion gearmay be positioned between the motor/generator and the first tractiondrive transmission.

In certain embodiments of the electric powertrain, the first pinion gearmay be positioned between the first traction drive transmission and thesecond traction drive transmission.

Provided herein may be an electric powertrain having: a firstmotor/generator; a second motor/generator; and a traction drivetransmission having a ring member operably coupled to the firstmotor/generator, a traction planet carrier configured to support aplurality of traction rollers, the carrier configured to transmit arotational power, and a sun member operably coupled to the secondmotor/generator; a first pinion gear having a hollow central bore, thefirst pinion gear coupled to the traction planet carrier; and a shaftcoupled to the sun member and the first motor/generator, the shaftpassing through the hollow central bore.

In certain embodiments of the electric powertrain, a second pinion gearmay be coupled to the first pinion gear, the second pinion gearconfigured to transmit rotational power.

In certain embodiments of the electric powertrain, the plurality oftraction rollers are conical in shape.

A traction drive transmission including: a ring member having arotational center aligned along a main axis of the transmission; a firsttraction roller in contact with the ring member; a sun member having arotational center offset from the main axis, the sun member in contactwith the first traction roller, the sun member located radially inwardof the first traction roller; a first floating traction roller incontact with the ring member and the sun member; a first reaction rollerin contact with the first floating traction roller; and a carrierconfigured to support the reaction roller, the carrier configured to benon-rotatable.

In certain embodiments, the carrier may be configured to support thefirst traction roller.

In certain embodiments, the traction drive transmission has a secondreaction roller supported in the carrier.

In certain embodiments, the traction drive transmission has a secondfloating roller in contact with the second reaction roller.

Provided herein may be a high-ratio traction drive transmissionincluding: a first high-ratio simple planetary traction drivetransmission having a first ring member, a first carrier, and a firstsun member; and a second high-ratio simple planetary traction drivetransmission having a second ring member, a second carrier, and a secondsun member. The first high-ratio simple planetary traction drivetransmission may be operably coupled to the second high-ratio simpleplanetary traction drive transmission forming a first connection and asecond connection.

Provided herein may be a high-ratio traction drive transmissionincluding: a high-ratio simple planetary traction drive transmissionhaving a first ring member, a first carrier, and a first sun member; anda high-ratio compound planetary traction drive transmission having asecond ring member, a second carrier, and a second sun member. Thehigh-ratio simple planetary traction drive transmission may be operablycoupled to the high-ratio compound planetary traction drive transmissionforming a first connection and a second connection.

Provided herein may be a high-ratio traction drive transmission having:a first high-ratio compound planetary traction drive transmission havinga first ring member, a first carrier, and a first sun member; and asecond high-ratio compound planetary traction drive transmission havinga second ring member, a second carrier, and a second sun member. Thefirst high-ratio compound planetary traction drive transmission may beoperably coupled to the second high-ratio compound planetary tractiondrive transmission forming a first connection and a second connection.

Provided herein may be a continuously variable electric drivetrainincluding: a first motor/generator; a second motor/generator; and ahigh-ratio traction drive transmission having a ring member operablycoupled to the first motor/generator, a carrier configured to support aplurality of traction rollers, the carrier configured to transmit arotational power, and a sun member operably coupled to the secondmotor/generator.

In certain embodiments of the continuously variable electric drivetrain,a first transfer gear may be coupled to the first motor/generator andthe ring member.

In certain embodiments of the continuously variable electric drivetrain,a second transfer gear may be coupled to the second motor/generator andthe sun member.

In certain embodiments of the continuously variable electric drivetrain,the plurality of traction rollers are conical in shape.

In certain embodiments of the continuously variable electric drivetrain,the first motor/generator may be operated in a low-speed, high-torquemode.

In certain embodiments of the continuously variable electric drivetrain,the first motor/generator may be operated in a high-speed, low-torquemode.

Provided herein may be a method of controlling a continuously variableelectric drivetrain including a first motor/generator, a secondmotor/generator, and a high-ratio traction drive transmission having aring member operably coupled to the first motor/generator, a carrierconfigured to support a plurality of traction rollers and configured totransmit a rotational power, and a sun member operably coupled to thesecond motor/generator. The method includes the steps of: receiving acarrier speed signal, a target first motor/generator speed signal, and atarget axle torque signal; determining a first motor/generator torquecommand based at least in part on the target axle torque signal; anddetermining a second motor/generator speed command based at least inpart on the carrier speed signal and the target first motor/generatorspeed signal.

In certain embodiments, the step of determining a first motor/generatortorque command based at least in part on the target axle torque signalincludes applying a limit to the torque of the first motor/generator.

In certain embodiments, the step of determining a second motor/generatorspeed command based at least in part on the carrier speed signal and thetarget first motor/generator speed signal includes applying a limit tothe speed of the second motor/generator.

Provided herein may be an electric hybrid powertrain including anengine, a first motor/generator, a second motor/generator, and atraction drive transmission operably coupled to the firstmotor/generator and the second motor/generator. The traction drivetransmission includes a ring member, a rotatable traction rollercarrier, and a sun member.

In certain embodiments of the electric hybrid powertrain, a first clutchmay be configured to selectively couple the ring member to a ground.

In certain embodiments of the electric hybrid powertrain, a secondclutch may be configured to selectively couple the ring member and thefirst motor/generator.

In certain embodiments of the electric hybrid powertrain, the secondmotor/generator may be coupled to the sun member.

In certain embodiments of the electric hybrid powertrain, a third clutchmay be configured to selectively couple the engine to the firstmotor/generator.

Provided herein may be an electric hybrid powertrain including anengine, a first motor/generator, a second motor/generator, and atraction drive transmission operably coupled to the firstmotor/generator and the second motor/generator. The traction drivetransmission includes a ring member operably coupled to the secondmotor/generator, a rotatable traction roller carrier operably coupled tothe engine, and a sun member operably coupled to the firstmotor/generator.

Provided herein in may be an electric hybrid powertrain including anengine, a first motor/generator, a second motor/generator, a firsttraction drive transmission and a second traction drive transmission.The first traction drive transmission includes a first ring memberoperably coupled to the engine, a first rotatable traction rollercarrier, and a first sun member operably coupled to the firstmotor/generator. The second traction drive transmission includes asecond ring member selectively coupled to the first sun member, a secondrotatable traction roller carrier operably coupled to the firstrotatable traction roller carrier, and a second sun member operablycoupled to the second motor/generator.

In certain embodiments of the electric hybrid powertrain, the secondring member may be selectively coupled to the first sun member through afirst clutch.

In certain embodiments of the electric hybrid powertrain, the secondring member may be selectively coupled to ground through a secondclutch.

Provided herein may be an electric hybrid powertrain including: anengine; a first motor/generator; a second motor/generator; a planetarygear set having a ring gear, a planet carrier operably coupled to theengine, and a sun gear coupled to the first motor generator; and atraction transmission operably coupled to the second motor/generator andthe ring gear.

In certain embodiments of the electric hybrid powertrain, the tractiontransmission further includes a ring member coupled to the ring gear, anon-rotatable traction planet carrier, and a sun member coupled to thesecond motor/generator.

In certain embodiments of the electric hybrid powertrain, a one-wayclutch may be coupled to the engine and the planet carrier.

In certain embodiments of the electric hybrid powertrain, the tractiontransmission may be an off-set type traction transmission.

In certain embodiments of the electric hybrid powertrain, the tractiontransmission may be provided with conical traction rollers supported inthe non-rotatable traction planet carrier.

A traction drive transmission including: a ring member having arotational center aligned along a main axis of the transmission; a firsttraction roller in contact with the ring member; a sun member having arotational center offset from the main axis, the sun member in contactwith the first traction roller, the sun member located radially inwardof the first traction roller; a first floating traction roller incontact with the ring member and the sun member; a first reaction rollerin contact with the first floating traction roller; and a carrierconfigured to support the reaction roller, the carrier configured to benon-rotatable.

In certain embodiments, the carrier may be configured to support thefirst traction roller.

In certain embodiments, the traction drive transmission has a secondreaction roller supported in the carrier.

In certain embodiments, the traction drive transmission has a secondfloating roller in contact with the second reaction roller.

Provided herein may be a gear set including: a first gear having a firstset of helical teeth and a first tapered traction roller; a second gearhaving a second set of helical teeth and a second tapered tractionroller; wherein the first set of helical teeth engage the second set ofhelical teeth; and wherein the first tapered traction roller may becoupled to the second tapered traction roller to form a tractionsurface.

Provided herein a traction drive including a first traction rollerhaving an outer periphery and a second traction roller having an outerperiphery. The first traction roller may be in contact with the secondtraction roller at a traction contact. The traction contact forms atraction contact path on the outer periphery of the first tractionroller in a non-linear pattern.

In certain embodiments, the first traction roller further includes araised traction surface located on the outer periphery, wherein theaxial location of the traction surface with respect to the outerperiphery may be non-linear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein as part of thespecification. The drawings described herein illustrate embodiments ofthe presently disclosed subject matter, and are illustrative of selectedprinciples and teaching of the present disclosure and do not illustrateall possible implementations thereof. The drawings are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a simplified traction planetarydevice having a tapered roller;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a high-ratiotraction drive transmission of an offset traction roller transmissiontype;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section plan view of the offset-type traction rollertransmission type of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a high-ratiotraction drive transmission of a tapered planetary traction rollertransmission type;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a traction planetarydevice coupled to an actuator motor;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a tractionplanetary device coupled to an actuator motor;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a tractionplanetary device coupled to an actuator motor;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a tractionplanetary device coupled to an actuator motor;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a tractionplanetary device coupled to an actuator motor;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a tractionplanetary device coupled to an actuator motor;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of an electric axle having anelectric drivetrain or powertrain;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an electric axle having amotor/generator and two traction drive transmissions;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of another electric axle having amotor/generator and two traction drive transmissions;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an electric axle having a tractiondrive transmission and two motor/generators;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of another electric axle having amotor/generator and two traction drive transmissions;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of yet another electric axle having amotor/generator and two traction drive transmissions;

FIG. 17 is a lever diagram of a high-ratio simple planetary tractiondrive transmission;

FIG. 18 is a lever diagram of a high-ratio compound planetary tractiondrive transmission;

FIG. 19 is a lever diagram of a high-ratio simple planetary tractiondrive transmission coupled to another high-ratio simple planetarytransmission;

FIG. 20 is a simplified lever diagram of the configuration of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a table depicting component couplings of a high-ratio simpleplanetary traction drive transmission coupled to another high-ratiosimple planetary transmission;

FIG. 22 is a lever diagram of a high-ratio simple planetary tractiondrive transmission coupled to a high-ratio compound planetarytransmission;

FIG. 23 is a simplified lever diagram of the configuration of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a table depicting component couplings of a high-ratio simpleplanetary traction drive transmission coupled to a high-ratio compoundplanetary transmission;

FIG. 25 is a lever diagram of a high-ratio compound planetary tractiondrive transmission coupled to another high-ratio compound planetarytransmission;

FIG. 26 is a simplified lever diagram of the configuration of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a table depicting component couplings of a high-ratiocompound planetary traction drive transmission coupled to anotherhigh-ratio compound planetary transmission.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiments of a compoundtapered planetary traction roller transmission type;

FIG. 29 is a lever diagram of an embodiment of a continuously variableelectric drivetrain having two motors and a high-ratio traction drivetransmission.

FIG. 30 is a lever diagram of another embodiment a continuously variableelectric drivetrain having two motors and a high-ratio traction drivetransmission;

FIG. 31 is a lever diagram of another embodiment a continuously variableelectric drivetrain having two motors and a high-ratio traction drivetransmission;

FIG. 32 is a lever diagram of yet another embodiment a continuouslyvariable electric drivetrain having two motors and a high-ratio tractiondrive transmission;

FIG. 33 is a lever diagram of yet another embodiment a continuouslyvariable electric drivetrain having two motors and a high-ratio tractiondrive transmission;

FIG. 34 is a variogram showing the range of possible vehicle speeds andaxle torques as a function of motor speeds for a representativeconfiguration of the presently disclosed subject matter of FIGS. 29through 33;

FIG. 35 is a chart depicting electric motor torque in relation toelectric motor speed for two electric motors;

FIG. 36 is a chart depicting a power ratio and a torque ratio of twoelectric motors versus time;

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of an electric motor controller that may beimplemented for the electric axle of FIGS. 29 through 33;

FIG. 38 may be a block diagram of the electric motor controller of FIG.37;

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram of an electric hybrid powertrain having atraction drive transmission, two motor/generators, and an engine;

FIG. 40 is a table listing operating modes of the electric hybridpowertrain of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram of an electric hybrid powertrain having atraction drive transmission, two motor/generators, and an engine;

FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram of an electric hybrid powertrain havingtwo traction drive transmissions, two motor/generators, and an engine;

FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of an electric hybrid powertrain havingan engine and two electric motor/generators operably coupled through aplanetary gear set;

FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram of an electric hybrid powertrain havingan engine and two electric motor/generators operably coupled through aplanetary gear set and an offset traction roller transmission;

FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram of an electric hybrid powertrain havingan engine, two electric motor/generators operably coupled through aplanetary gear set and a tapered planetary traction roller transmission;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a gear set havingmeshing teeth and a contacting traction surfaces; and

FIG. 47 is a cross-section view of a contacting traction surfaces havinga non-uniform profile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It may be to be understood that the presently disclosed subject mattermay assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, exceptwhere expressly specified to the contrary. It may be also to beunderstood that the specific devices, assemblies, systems and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined herein. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to beconsidered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Provided herein are configurations of actuation devices implementing atraction planetary device and configurations of electric powertrainsimplementing traction drive transmissions. Actuation devices andpowertrains implementing electric motors are faced with a large speedreduction between the electric motor and the driven device (e.g. drivenwheels). In some cases, electric machines and electric motors havinghigh rotational speeds, for example higher than 30,000 rpm, are beingconsidered for implementation in a variety of actuation devise andpowertrain configurations. It may be appreciated that traditionalgearing devices with high transmission ratios, for example, those withtransmission ratios in the range of 25-40, are needed for implementationof some types of actuation devices and high-speed electric machines.However, traditional toothed gearing having transmission ratios in saidrange are prohibitively expensive to manufacture and often areprohibitively noisy during operation.

As used here, the terms “operationally connected,” “operationallycoupled”, “operationally linked”, “operably connected”, “operablycoupled”, “operably linked,” and like terms, refer to a relationship(mechanical, linkage, coupling, etc.) between elements whereby operationof one element results in a corresponding, following, or simultaneousoperation or actuation of a second element. It may be noted that inusing said terms to describe inventive embodiments, specific structuresor mechanisms that link or couple the elements are typically described.However, unless otherwise specifically stated, when one of said termsmay be used, the term indicates that the actual linkage or coupling maybe capable of taking a variety of forms, which in certain instances willbe readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the relevanttechnology.

It should be noted that reference herein to “traction” does not excludeapplications where the dominant or exclusive mode of power transfer maybe through “friction.” Without attempting to establish a categoricaldifference between traction and friction drives here, generally thesewill be understood as different regimes of power transfer. Tractiondrives usually involve the transfer of power between two elements byshear forces in a thin fluid layer trapped between the elements. Thefluids used in these applications usually exhibit traction coefficientsgreater than conventional mineral oils. The traction coefficient (μ)represents the maximum available traction force which would be availableat the interfaces of the contacting components and may be the ratio ofthe maximum available drive torque per contact force. Typically,friction drives generally relate to transferring power between twoelements by frictional forces between the elements. For the purposes ofthis disclosure, it should be understood that the traction planetariesdescribed here are capable of operating in both tractive and frictionalapplications based on the torque and speed conditions present duringoperation.

Referring to FIG. 1, in certain embodiments, traction drivetransmissions (e.g. a high-ratio traction drive transmission) arecharacterized by having an arrangement providing a spin free tractionroller engagement.

In certain embodiments, the transmission includes a transmission housing80 provided with a race ring 81 having a race surface 82. A slightlyconical sun roller 83 may be supported on an input shaft 84 by way of acam structure 85 and slightly conical planetary rollers 86 are supportedfor orbiting with an output shaft 87 and are in engagement with the racering 81 and the sun roller 83. The cam structure 85 may be configured toforce the sun roller 83 between the planetary rollers 86 to providetraction surface engagement forces depending on the amount of torquetransmitted. As shown, all axial tangents of all the traction surfacesintersect in a single point P on a transmission axis be so that truerolling conditions are provided for all traction surfaces. This resultsin high-efficiency operation of the transmission and little wear of thetraction surfaces.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in certain embodiments, a traction drivetransmission 50 (e.g. a high-ratio traction drive transmission) includesa sun roller 51 in traction engagement with a traction roller 52. Thetraction roller 52 may be supported in a non-rotatable carrier 53. Thetraction roller 52 may be in traction engagement with a traction ring54. The traction ring 54 may be located radially outward of the tractionroller 52 and the sun roller 51. In certain embodiments, a ring coupling55 may be coupled to the traction ring 54 and configured to transmitrotational power in or out of the transmission 50. In certainembodiments, the axis be of the sun roller 51 may be offset radiallywith respect to the rotational center of the traction roller 52 whenviewed in the plane of the page of FIG. 2.

In certain embodiments, the transmission 50 may be provided with a setof floating traction rollers 56 (labeled as “56A” and “56B” in FIG. 3)coupled to the sun roller 51. In certain embodiments, the transmission50 may also be provided with a set of reaction rollers 57 (labeled as“57A” and “57B” in FIG. 3) supported in the carrier 53 by supportbearings. In certain embodiments, the traction roller 52 may besupported in the carrier 53 by a support bearing. In other embodiments,the traction roller 52 may be supported by the sun roller 51 and thereaction rollers 57.

During operation of the transmission 50, the reaction rollers 57 providetorque dependent pressure to the floating traction rollers 56 which maybe transferred to the traction ring 54 and the traction roller 52 tothereby transmit torque through traction contact.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in certain embodiments, a traction drivetransmission 20 (e.g. a high-ratio traction drive transmission) includesa coaxial input and output shafts 21 and 22 rotatably supported in ahousing 23 and a housing cover 24. In certain embodiments, the inputshaft 21 has a sun roller 25 mounted thereon which forms the centerroller of a first planetary traction roller 26 including a stationaryfirst traction ring 27 arranged radially outward of the sun roller 25. Aset of planetary type traction rollers 28 may be disposed in the spacebetween the first traction ring 27 and the sun roller 25 and inmotion-transmitting engagement with both of them. The planetary tractionrollers 28 are rotatably supported on a first planetary roller carrier29.

The traction drive transmission 20 includes for each planetary tractionroller 28 a support shaft 30 which may be supported at its free end by asupport ring 31 and on which the planetary traction roller 28 may besupported by a bearing 32. In certain embodiments, the planetarytraction rollers 28 include two sections, a first section 28 a and asecond section 28 b of different diameters. The first section 28 a maybe in engagement with the first traction ring 27 and the sun roller 25.The second section 28 b may be in engagement with a second traction ring33, which may be mounted for rotation with the output shaft 22 via asupport disc 34. In certain embodiments, the second section 28 b may becoupled to a support sun roller 35 which may be hollow so that the inputshaft 21 may extend there through.

Various axial thrust bearings are provided for the accommodation of theaxial forces in the transmission. It may be noted, however, that thesupport shafts 30 of the planetary traction rollers 28 are arranged at aslight angle with respect to an axis of the input and output shafts andthat the traction surfaces of the planetary traction rollers 28 areslightly conical. The traction surfaces of the stationary first tractionring 27 and of the rotatable second traction ring 34 are correspondinglyconical so that the planetary traction rollers 28 are forced into theconical space defined by the traction rings upon assembly of thetransmission.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-10, modern vehicles are equipped with a numberof electric actuator devices to provide functionality to the vehicleranging from seat adjustment, powertrain controls, and a number of otheraccessory functions. In certain embodiments, the electric actuatordevices are typically electric motors coupled to a driven object. Thesedevices add to the overall weight of the vehicle, therefore, there maybe a need to address methods for reducing the size of these actuatordevices. In particular, certain transmissions require actuation devicesto shift ratio. For example, a ball-type continuously variabletransmission may employ electric motor actuator devices to shift onecarrier member with respect to the other. Described herein areconfigurations of electric motor actuator devices and traction planetarydevices that are implementable in vehicles.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in certain embodiments, an electric actuatordevice includes a traction planetary device 100 provided with a ringmember 101 configured to transfer rotational power through an outputshaft 105. The ring member 101 may be coupled to a number of tractionrollers supported in a carrier 102. The carrier 102 may be coupled to anelectric motor 104. The traction planetary device 100 includes a sunmember 103 coupled to the traction rollers supported in the carrier 102.

Referring now to FIG. 6, in certain embodiments, the electric actuatordevice includes a traction planetary device 110 provided with a ringmember 111 coupled to an electric motor 114. The ring member 101 may becoupled to a number of traction rollers supported in a carrier 112. Thecarrier 112 may be configured to transfer rotation power to a drivendevice. The traction planetary device 110 includes a sun member 113coupled to the traction roller supported in the carrier 112.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in certain embodiments, the electric actuatordevice includes a traction planetary device 115 provided with a ringmember 116 configured to transfer rotational power to a driven device.The ring member 116 may be coupled to a number of traction rollerssupported in a carrier 117. The traction planetary device 115 includes asun member 118 coupled to an electric motor 119.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in certain embodiments, the electric actuatordevice includes a traction planetary device 120 provided with a ringmember 121 coupled to an electric motor 124. The ring member 121 may becoupled to a number of traction rollers supported in a carrier 122. Thetraction planetary device 120 includes a sun member 123 configured totransfer rotational power to a driven device.

Referring now to FIG. 9, in certain embodiments, the electric actuatordevice includes a traction planetary device 125 may be provided with aring member 126 coupled to a number of traction rollers supported in acarrier 127. The carrier 127 may be configured to transfer rotationalpower to a driven device. The traction planetary device 125 includes asun member 128 coupled to an electric motor 129.

Referring now to FIG. 10, in certain embodiments, the electric actuatordevice includes a traction planetary device 130 may be provided with aring member 131 coupled to a number of traction rollers supported in acarrier 132. The carrier 132 may be coupled to an electric motor 134.The traction planetary device 130 includes a sun member 133 configuredto transfer rotational power to a driven device.

It should be appreciated that the embodiments described herein may beconfigured with multiple planetary sets, of the traction type or ofconventional geared typed, to increase the gear ratio beyond the rangeof a single traction planetary.

Referring to FIG. 11, in certain embodiments, an electric axlepowertrain 1100 includes an electric drivetrain or powertrain 1102operably coupled to a differential 1103. In certain embodiments, thedifferential 1103 may be a common differential gear set implemented totransmit rotational power. The differential 1103 may be operably coupledto a wheel drive axle 1104 configured to drive a set of vehicle wheels1105 (labeled as “1105A” and “1105B” in FIG. 5).

Referring now to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the electric drivetrain orpowertrain 1102 includes a motor/generator 1111 coupled to a firsttraction drive transmission 1112. In certain embodiments, the firsttraction drive transmission 1112 includes a first sun member 1113coupled to the motor/generator 1111, a first traction planet carrier1114 coupled to a grounded component such as a housing (not shown), anda first ring member 1115 coupled to a second traction drive transmission1116.

In certain embodiments, the second traction drive transmission 1116includes a second sun member 1117 coupled to the first ring member 1115,a second traction planet carrier 1118 coupled to a grounded componentsuch as a housing (not shown), and a second ring member 1119 coupled toa first pinion gear 1120. In certain embodiments, the first pinion gear1120 has a center bore through which a shaft 1121 may pass to therebycouple the first ring member 1115 to the second sun member 1117. Incertain embodiments, the first pinion gear 1120 may be coupled to asecond pinion gear 1122 to transmit power out of the electric drivetrainor powertrain 1102. In certain embodiments, the first pinion gear 1120and the second pinion gear 1122 are positioned between the firsttraction drive transmission 1112 and the second traction drivetransmission 1116.

Referring now to FIG. 13, in another embodiment, the electric drivetrainor powertrain 1102 includes a motor/generator 1131 coupled to a firsttraction drive transmission 1132. In certain embodiments, the firsttraction drive transmission 1132 includes a first sun member 1133coupled to the motor/generator 1131, a first traction planet carrier1134 coupled to a grounded component such as a housing (not shown), anda first ring member 1135 coupled to a second traction drive transmission1136.

In certain embodiments, the second traction drive transmission 1136includes a second sun member 1137 coupled to the first ring member 1135,a second traction planet carrier 1138 coupled to a grounded componentsuch as a housing (not shown), and a second ring member 1139 coupled toa first pinion gear 1140. In certain embodiments, the first pinion gear1140 has a center bore through which a shaft 1141 may pass to therebycouple the first ring member 1135 to the second sun member 1137. Incertain embodiments, the first pinion gear 1140 may be coupled to asecond pinion gear 1142 to transmit power out of the electric drivetrainor powertrain 1102. In certain embodiments, the first pinion gear 1140and the second pinion gear 1142 are positioned between the motor 1131and the first traction drive transmission 1132 or the second tractiondrive transmission 1136.

Referring now to FIG. 14, in another embodiment, the electric drivetrainor powertrain 1102 includes a first motor/generator 1151, a secondmotor/generator 152, and a traction drive transmission 1153. It isunderstood that for the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the electricdrivetrain or powertrain 1102 may be a variable electric drivetrain orpowertrain, if desired. In certain embodiments, the traction drivetransmission 1153 includes a sun member 1154 coupled to the secondmotor/generator 1152, a traction planet carrier 1155, and a ring member1156 coupled to the first motor/generator 1151. In certain embodiments,the traction planet carrier 1155 may be coupled to a first pinion gear1157. The first pinion gear 1157 may be provided with a center borethrough which a shaft 1158 may pass to couple the second motor/generator1152 to the sun member 1154. In certain embodiments, the first piniongear 1157 may be coupled to a second pinion gear 1159 to transmit powerout of the electric drivetrain or powertrain 1102.

Referring now to FIG. 15, in another embodiment, the electric drivetrainor powertrain 1102 includes a motor/generator 1161 coupled to a firsttraction drive transmission 1162. In certain embodiments, the firsttraction drive transmission 1162 includes a first sun member 1163coupled to the motor/generator 1161, a first traction planet carrier1164 coupled to a second traction drive transmission 1166, and a firstring member 1165 coupled to a grounded component such as a housing (notshown). In certain embodiments, the second traction drive transmission1166 includes a second sun member 1167 coupled to the first tractionplanet carrier 1164, a second traction planet carrier 1168 coupled to afirst pinion gear 1170, and a second ring member 1169 coupled to agrounded component such as a housing (not shown). In certainembodiments, the first pinion gear 1170 has a center bore through whicha shaft 1171 may pass to thereby couple the first traction planetcarrier 1164 to the second sun member 1167.

In certain embodiments, the first pinion gear 1170 may be coupled to asecond pinion gear 1172 to transmit power out of the electric drivetrainor powertrain 1102. In certain embodiments, the first pinion gear 1170and the second pinion gear 1172 are positioned between the firsttraction drive transmission 1162 and the second traction drivetransmission 1166. It should be appreciated that the electric drivetrainor powertrain 1102 may be configurable in a variety of arrangementsincluding, but not limited to, the first traction drive transmission1162 having a fixed first traction planet carrier 1164 and a rotatablefirst ring member 1165. In certain embodiments, the second tractiondrive transmission 1166 may be configured to have a fixed secondtraction planet carrier 1168 and a rotatable second ring member 1169.

Referring now to FIG. 16, in another embodiment, the electric drivetrainor powertrain 1102 includes a motor/generator 1181 coupled to a firsttraction drive transmission 1182. In certain embodiments, the firsttraction drive transmission 1182 includes a first sun member 1183coupled to the motor/generator 1181, a first traction planet carrier1184 coupled to a second traction drive transmission 1186, and a firstring member 1185 coupled to a grounded component such as a housing (notshown). In certain embodiments, the second traction drive transmission1186 includes a second sun member 1187 coupled to the first tractionplanet carrier 1184, a second traction planet carrier 1188 coupled to afirst pinion gear 1190, and a second ring member 1189 coupled to agrounded component such as a housing (not shown). In certainembodiments, the first pinion gear 1190 has a center bore through whicha shaft 1191 may pass to thereby couple the first ring member 1185 tothe second sun member 1187.

In certain embodiments, the first pinion gear 1190 may be coupled to asecond pinion gear 1192 to transmit power out of the electric drivetrainor powertrain 1102. In certain embodiments, the first pinion gear 1190and the second pinion gear 1192 are positioned between the motor 1181and the first traction drive transmission 1182 or the second tractiondrive transmission 1186. It should be appreciated that the electricdrivetrain or powertrain 1102 may be configurable in a variety ofarrangements including, but not limited to, the first traction drivetransmission 1182 having a fixed first traction planet carrier 1184 anda rotatable first ring member 1185. In certain embodiments, the secondtraction drive transmission 1186 may be configured to have a fixedsecond traction planet carrier 1188 and a rotatable second ring member1189.

Referring to FIGS. 17-27, for purposes of description, schematicsreferred to as lever diagrams are used herein. A lever diagram, alsoknown as a lever analogy diagram, may be a translational-systemrepresentation of rotating parts for a planetary gear system. In certainembodiments, a lever diagram may be provided as a visual aid indescribing the functions of the transmission. In a lever diagram, aplanetary gear set may be often represented by a single vertical line(“lever”). The input, output, and reaction torques are represented byhorizontal forces on the lever. The lever motion, relative to thereaction point, represents direction of rotational velocities. Forexample, a typical planetary gear set having a ring gear, a planetcarrier, and a sun gear may be represented by a vertical line havingnodes “R1” representing the ring member, node “S1” representing the sunmember, and node “C1” representing the carrier. A compound lever may berepresented similarly in a lever diagram, except that because the sunand ring gear rotate in the same direction and opposite to the carrierrotation, the compound planetary may be depicted with both the sun andthe ring gear on the same side with respect to the carrier.

Referring now to FIG. 17, in certain embodiments, a high-ratio simpleplanetary traction drive transmission 2100 may be similar to thehigh-ratio traction drive transmissions depicted in FIGS. 1-3. Thehigh-ratio simple planetary traction drive transmission 2100 includes aring member 2101 (depicted on the lever diagram as “R1”), a carrier 2102(depicted on the lever diagram as “C1”), and a sun member 2103 (depictedon the lever diagram as “S1”). The ring-to-sun (RTS) ratio of thehigh-ratio simple planetary traction drive transmission may be depictedas “e1” on the lever diagram.

Referring now to FIG. 18, in certain embodiments, a high-ratio compoundplanetary traction drive transmission 2105 may be similar to thehigh-ratio traction drive transmission depicted in FIG. 4. A compoundlever may be represented similarly in a lever diagram, except thatbecause the sun and ring gear rotate in the same direction and oppositeto the carrier rotation, the compound planetary may be depicted withboth the sun and the ring gear on the same side with respect to thecarrier. It should be appreciated that compound planetaries are ageneral category of planetary transmissions having, but not limited to,multiple traction planets, stepped traction members, or other compoundfeatures. Although the ring-to-sun (RTS) ratio of the high-ratiocompound planetary traction drive transmission may be still defined as“e1” on the lever diagram, typically the distance between the ring andthe sun nodes may be depicted as “e1−1” on the lever diagram.

In certain embodiments, the high-ratio compound planetary traction drivetransmission 2105 includes a ring member 2107 (depicted as “R1” on thelever diagram), a carrier member 106 (depicted as “C1” on the leverdiagram), and a sun member 2108 (depicted as “S1” on the lever diagram).

Referring now to FIGS. 19-21, embodiments of high-ratio transmissionsincorporating two high-ratio simple planetary traction drivetransmissions will be described. In certain embodiments, a simple-simpletraction drive transmission 2110A includes a first high-ratio simpleplanetary traction drive transmission having a first ring member 2111(“R1”), a first carrier 2112 (“C1”), and a first sun member 2113 (“S1”)operably coupled to a second high-ratio simple planetary traction drivetransmission having a second ring member 2114 (“R2”) coupled to thefirst carrier 2112, a second carrier 2115 (“C2”) coupled to the firstring member 2111, and a second sun 2116 (“S2”). The lever diagram forthe transmission 2110A may be reduced to the lever diagram 2110Bdepicted in FIG. 20. The coupling between the first ring member 2111 andthe second carrier 2115 may be depicted as a first connection 2117(“R1C2”). The coupling between the second ring member 2114 and the firstcarrier 2112 may be depicted as a second connection 2118 (“C1R2”). Itshould be appreciated that the lever diagram shown in FIG. 20 may berepresentative of one of many configurations formed between the twohigh-ratio simple planetary traction drive transmission, and that otherconfigurations are formed by the connections as depicted in the Table2120 of FIG. 21, where couplings for the first connection 2117 arelisted in the first row, and couplings for the second connection 2118are listed in the three rows below the first. For example, the firstconnection 2117 may be the first sun member 2113 coupled to the secondsun member 2116 while the second connection 2118 may be the firstcarrier 2112 coupled to the second carrier 2115.

In certain embodiments, the second connection 2118 may be the firstcarrier 2112 coupled to the second ring member 2114.

In other embodiments, the second connection 2118 may be the first ringmember 2111 coupled to the second carrier 2115.

In yet other embodiments, the second connection 2118 may be the firstring member 2111 coupled to the second ring member 2112. Because theorder of connection may not be relevant to the functionality of thetransmission, duplicate arrangements are identified in Table 2120 ofFIG. 21 with shaded cells. It should be appreciated that one of thesimple planetaries depicted in Table 2120 may be configured as aconventional geared simple planetary gear set.

Referring now to FIGS. 22-24, embodiments of high-ratio transmissionsincorporating a high-ratio simple planetary traction drive transmissioncoupled to a high-ratio compound planetary traction drive transmissionwill be described.

In certain embodiments, a simple-compound traction drive transmission2125A includes a first high-ratio simple planetary traction drivetransmission having a first ring member 2126 (“R1”), a first carrier2127 (“C1”), and a first sun member 2128 (“S1”) operably coupled to asecond high-ratio compound planetary traction drive transmission havinga second ring member 2129 (“R2”) coupled to the first ring member 2126,a second carrier 2130 (“C2”) coupled to the first carrier 2127, and asecond sun 2131 (“S2”). The lever diagram for the transmission 2125A maybe reduced to the lever diagram 2125B depicted in FIG. 23. The couplingbetween the first ring member 2126 and the second ring member 2129 maybe depicted as a first connection 2132 (“R1R2”). The coupling betweenthe second carrier 2130 and the first carrier 2127 may be depicted as asecond connection 2133 (“C1C2”).

It should be appreciated that the lever diagram shown in FIG. 23 may berepresentative of one of many configurations formed between a high-ratiosimple planetary traction drive transmission and a high-ratio compoundplanetary traction drive transmission, and that other configurations areformed by the connections as depicted in the Table 2135 of FIG. 24 wherecouplings for the first connection 2132 are listed in the first row, andcouplings for the second connection 2133 are listed in the three rowsbelow the first. For example, the first connection 2132 may be the firstsun member 2128 coupled to the second sun member 2131 while the secondconnection 2133 may be the first carrier 2127 coupled to the secondcarrier 2130.

In certain embodiments, the second connection 2133 may be the firstcarrier 2127 coupled to the second ring member 2129.

In other embodiments, the second connection 2133 may be the first ringmember 2126 coupled to the second carrier 2130.

In yet other embodiments, the second connection 2133 may be the firstring member 2126 coupled to the second ring member 2129. Because theorder of connection may not be relevant to the functionality of thetransmission, duplicate arrangements are identified in Table 2135 ofFIG. 24 with shaded cells. It should be appreciated that the simpleplanetary depicted in Table 2135 may be configured as a conventionalgeared simple planetary gear set. Likewise, the compound planetarydepicted in Table 2135 may be configured as a conventional gearedcompound planetary gear set.

Referring now to FIGS. 25-27, embodiments of high-ratio transmissionsincorporating two high-ratio compound planetary traction drivetransmissions will be described. In certain embodiments, acompound-compound traction drive transmission 2140A includes a firsthigh-ratio compound planetary traction drive transmission having a firstring member 2141 (“R1”), a first carrier 2142 (“C1”), and a first sunmember 2143 (“S1”) operably coupled to a second high-ratio compoundplanetary traction drive transmission having a second ring member 2144(“R2”) coupled to the first carrier 2142, a second carrier 2145 (“C2”)coupled to the first ring member 2141, and a second sun 2146 (“S2”). Thelever diagram for the transmission 2140A may be reduced to the leverdiagram 2140B depicted in FIG. 26. The coupling between the firstcarrier 2142 and the second ring member 2144 may be depicted as a firstconnection 2147 (“C1R2”). The coupling between the second carrier 2145and the first ring member 2141 may be depicted as a second connection2148 (“R1C2”).

It should be appreciated that the lever diagram shown in FIG. 26 may berepresentative of one of many configurations formed between a firsthigh-ratio compound planetary traction drive transmission and a secondhigh-ratio compound planetary traction drive transmission, and thatother configurations are formed by the connections as depicted in theTable 2150 of FIG. 27 where couplings for the first connection 2147 arelisted in the first row, and couplings for the second connection 2148are listed in the three rows below the first. For example, the firstconnection 2147 may be the first sun member 2143 coupled to the secondsun member 2146 while the second connection 2148 may be the firstcarrier 2142 coupled to the second carrier 2145.

In certain embodiments, the second connection 2148 may be the firstcarrier 2142 coupled to the second ring member 2144.

In other embodiments, the second connection 2148 may be the first ringmember 2141 coupled to the second carrier 2145.

In yet other embodiments, the second connection 2148 may be the firstring member 2141 coupled to the second ring member 2144. Because theorder of connection may not be relevant to the functionality of thetransmission, duplicate arrangements are identified in Table 2150 ofFIG. 27 with shaded cells. It should be appreciated that any one of thecompound planetaries depicted in Table 2150 of FIG. 27 may be configuredas a conventional geared compound planetary gear set.

Referring now to FIG. 28, in certain embodiments, a high-ratio tractiondrive 2200 may be configured as a dual pinion compound planetary thatmay be generally represented by the lever diagram of FIG. 18.

In certain embodiments, the high-ratio traction drive 2200 includes asun member 2201 coupled to a first array of traction planets 2202. Thefirst array of traction planets 2202 may be coupled to a second array oftraction planets 2203. The second array of traction planets 2203 coupleto a ring member 2204.

In certain embodiments, the high-ratio traction drive 2200 may beprovided with a traction planet carrier (not shown) configured tosupport the first array of traction planets 2202 or the second array oftraction planets 2203.

Advantages of the high-ratio traction drives 2100, 2105, 2110A, 2125A,and 2140A over the prior art and known conventional drives includes, butare not limited to the following:

-   -   higher input speed capability;    -   expanded ratio options;    -   use of axial thrust force as a loading mechanism in the traction        planetaries; and    -   reduction and/or cancellation of thrust forces to affect bearing        sizing, housing deflection, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 29, in certain embodiments, a continuouslyvariable electric drivetrain (CVED) 3110 may be configured to be used inthe electric axle powertrain 1100 shown in FIG. 11. In certainembodiments, the CVED 3110 may be provided with a first motor/generator3111 and a second motor/generator 3112 operably coupled to a high-ratiotraction drive transmission 3113. In one example, the first and secondmotor/generators 3111, 3112, are asymmetric motors in terms of speed andtorque capability. The high-ratio traction drive transmission 3113 isconfigured to account for the asymmetry factor from the first and secondmotor/generators 3111, 3112.

In certain embodiments, the high-ratio traction drive transmission 3113includes a ring member 3114 in contact with a number of traction rollerssupported in a carrier 3115, each traction roller in contact with a sunmember 3116. For purposes of description, a tapered traction drive, thedashed lines at the carrier node 3115 represents the axial displacementinherent to the loading mechanism of the device. In certain embodiments,the carrier 3115 may be configured to transfer rotational power out ofthe CVED 3110. In certain embodiments, the first motor/generator 3111may be coupled to the ring member 3114. In certain embodiments, thesecond motor/generator 3112 may be coupled to the sun member 3116. Itshould be appreciated that the high-ratio traction drive transmission3113 may be depicted as a lever diagram to simplify the kinematicrelationship between components in the CVED 3110, and that thehigh-ratio traction drive transmission 3113 may be configured in avariety of physical forms as described previously. It should be notedthat the dashed lines around the carrier 3115 represent the axialdisplacement inherent to the axial loading mechanism for devices of axistype.

Referring now to FIG. 30, in certain embodiments, a continuouslyvariable electric drivetrain (CVED) 3120 may be configured to be used inthe electric axle powertrain 1100 shown in FIG. 11. In certainembodiments, the CVED 3120 may be provided with a first motor/generator3121 and a second motor/generator 3122 operably coupled to a high-ratiotraction drive transmission 3123. The CVED 3120 is an extension of theconcept shown in FIG. 29, utilizing transfer gears between the first andsecond motor/generators 3121, 3122 and the high-ratio traction drivetransmission 3123 enables various combinations of either symmetric orasymmetric motors to be used to achieve desired results.

In certain embodiments, the high-ratio traction drive transmission 3123includes a ring member 3124 in contact with a number of traction rollerssupported in a carrier 3125, each traction roller in contact with a sunmember 3126. In certain embodiments, the carrier 3125 may be configuredto transfer rotational power out of the CVED 3120. In certainembodiments, the first motor/generator 3121 may be operably coupled tothe ring member 3124 through a transfer gear 3127. The transfer gear3127 may be configured to be a gear set having engaging teeth or atraction roller element. In certain embodiments, the secondmotor/generator 3122 may be coupled to the sun member 3126. It should beappreciated that the high-ratio traction drive transmission 3123 may bedepicted as a lever diagram to simplify the kinematic relationshipbetween components in the CVED 3120, and that the high-ratio tractiondrive transmission 3123 may be configured in a variety of physical formsas described previously. It should be noted that the dashed lines aroundthe carrier 3125 represent the axial displacement inherent to the axialloading mechanism for devices of axis type.

Referring now to FIG. 31, in certain embodiments, a continuouslyvariable electric drivetrain (CVED) 3130 may be configured to be used inthe electric axle powertrain 1100 shown in FIG. 11. In certainembodiments, the CVED 3130 may be provided with a first motor/generator3131 and a second motor/generator 3132 operably coupled to a high-ratiotraction drive transmission 3133. The CVED 3130 is also an extension ofthe concept shown in FIG. 29, utilizing transfer gears between the firstand second motor/generators 3131, 3132 and the high-ratio traction drivetransmission 3133 enables various combinations of either symmetric orasymmetric motors to be used to achieve desired results.

In certain embodiments, the high-ratio traction drive transmission 3133includes a ring member 3134 in contact with a number of traction rollerssupported in a carrier 3135, each traction roller in contact with a sunmember 3136. In certain embodiments, the carrier 3135 may be configuredto transfer rotational power out of the CVED 3130. In certainembodiments, the first motor/generator 3131 may be coupled to the ringmember 3134. In certain embodiments, the second motor/generator 3132 maybe operably coupled to the sun member 3136 through a transfer gear 3137.The transfer gear 3137 may be configured to be a gear set havingengaging teeth or a traction roller element. It should be appreciatedthat the high-ratio traction drive transmission 3133 may be depicted asa lever diagram to simplify the kinematic relationship betweencomponents in the CVED 3130, and that the high-ratio traction drivetransmission 3133 may be configured in a variety of physical forms asdescribed previously. It should be noted that the dashed lines aroundthe carrier 3135 represent the axial displacement inherent to the axialloading mechanism for devices of axis type.

Referring now to FIG. 32, in certain embodiments, a continuouslyvariable electric drivetrain (CVED) 3140 may be configured to be used inthe electric axle powertrain 1100 shown in FIG. 11. In certainembodiments, the CVED 3140 may be provided with a first motor/generator3141 and a second motor/generator 3142 operably coupled to a high-ratiotraction drive transmission 3143. The CVED 3130 is yet another extensionof the concept shown in FIG. 29, utilizing transfer gears between thefirst and second motor/generators 3141, 3142 and the high-ratio tractiondrive transmission 3143 enables various combinations of either symmetricor asymmetric motors to be used to achieve desired results.

In certain embodiments, the high-ratio traction drive transmission 3143includes a ring member 3144 in contact with a number of traction rollerssupported in a carrier 3145, each traction roller in contact with a sunmember 3146. In certain embodiments, the carrier 3145 may be configuredto transfer rotational power out of the CVED 3140. In certainembodiments, the first motor/generator 3141 may be operably coupled tothe ring member 3144 through a transfer gear 3147. The transfer gear3147 may be configured to be a gear set having engaging teeth or atraction roller element. In certain embodiments, the secondmotor/generator 3142 may be operably coupled to the sun member 3146through a transfer gear 3148. The transfer gear 3148 may be configuredto be a gear set having engaging teeth or a traction roller element. Itshould be appreciated that the high-ratio traction drive transmission3143 may be depicted as a lever diagram to simplify the kinematicrelationship between components in the CVED 3140, and that thehigh-ratio traction drive transmission 3143 may be configured in avariety of physical forms as described previously. It should be notedthat the dashed lines around the carrier 3145 represent the axialdisplacement inherent to the axial loading mechanism for devices of axistype.

Referring now to FIG. 33, in certain embodiments, a continuouslyvariable electric drivetrain (CVED) 3150 may be configured to be used inthe electric axle powertrain 1100 shown in FIG. 11. In certainembodiments, the CVED 3150 may be provided with a first motor/generator3151 and a second motor/generator 3152 operably coupled to a high-ratiotraction drive transmission 3153.

In certain embodiments, the high-ratio traction drive transmission 3153includes a ring member 3154 in contact with a number of traction rollerssupported in a carrier 3155, each traction roller in contact with a sunmember 3156. In certain embodiments, the carrier 3155 may be configuredto transfer rotational power out of the CVED 3150. In certainembodiments, the first motor/generator 3151 may be operably coupled tothe ring member 3154. In certain embodiments, the second motor/generator3152 may be operably coupled to the sun member 3156. It should beappreciated that the high-ratio traction drive transmission 3153 may bedepicted as a lever diagram to simplify the kinematic relationshipbetween components in the CVED 3150, and that the high-ratio tractiondrive transmission 3153 may be configured in a variety of physical formsas described previously. In certain embodiments, the CVED 3150 may beprovided with multiple downstream gears that provide torquemultiplication to the driven wheels. In certain embodiments, the CVED3150 may be provided with a first transfer gear 3157 coupled to thecarrier 3155. In certain embodiments, the first transfer gear 3157couples to a second transfer gear 3158. The first transfer gear 3157 andthe second transfer gear 3158 may be coaxial planetaries or may betransfer gear arrangements as depicted in FIG. 33. It should be notedthat the dashed lines around the carrier 3155 represent the axialdisplacement inherent to the axial loading mechanism for devices of axistype.

It is understood that each of the CVED 3110, the CVED 3120, the CVED3130, the CVED 3140, and the CVED 3150 may be configured to function asa variator. A control system (e.g. a motor control system of FIGS. 37-38described hereinafter) may utilize one of the CVED 3110, the CVED 3120,the CVED 3130, the CVED 3140, and the CVED 3150 as a variator tooptimize either performance and/or efficiency by maintaining at leastone of the first motor/generator 3111, 3121, 3131, 3141, 3151 and thesecond motor/generator 3112, 3122, 3132, 3142, 3152 in a constant torqueregion or on a peak efficiency island. Using one of the high-ratiotraction drive transmission 3113, 3123, 3133, 3143, 3153 enableshigh-speed motors in certain configurations, which are otherwise notfeasible with a conventional geared planetary. Furthermore, it should beappreciated that each of the CVED 3110, the CVED 3120, the CVED 3130,the CVED 3140, and the CVED 3150 may be disposed in at least one of afront and rear position in a vehicle and may operate as either a primarydrive in a four-wheel-drive or a rear-wheel-drive architecture, or as asecondary drive in either the front or rear position in the vehicle foran all-wheel-drive architecture. Additionally, each of the CVED 3110,the CVED 3120, the CVED 3130, the CVED 3140, and the CVED 3150 may becontained at a wheel hub location, if desired.

Turning now to FIG. 34, an illustrative example of a variogram is showndepicting the range of possible vehicle speeds and axle torques as afunction of the first motor speed (x-axis) and the second motor speed(y-axis). FIG. 34 shows an operation of two motor/generators (e.g. themotor/generators shown and described in FIGS. 29-33) with a summingplanetary which may function as a variator. As such, an electric motorspeed is not constrained by vehicle speed exclusively, which isadvantageous over a conventional single motor or dual motor arrangement.During operation of the CVED 3110, the CVED 3120, the CVED 3130, theCVED 3140, or the CVED 3150 the first motor/generator may be connectedto the ring member and may be a low-speed, high-torque device used intorque control mode. The second motor/generator may be a high-speed,low-torque device connected to the sun member and used in speed controlmode. Output of the CVED 3110, the CVED 3120, the CVED 3130, the CVED3140, or the CVED 3150 may be taken from the carrier 3115, 3125, 3135,3145, 3155. The high-ratio traction drive transmission functions as asumming planetary and each motor/generator may be controlled to performin a peak efficiency region as vehicle speed and power requirementschange throughout operation.

It should be appreciated that the choice of the ring to sun ratio “e1”for the summing planetary may be selected to account for the asymmetricnature of the motor/generators (either in the speed, torque, or powerdomain). Additionally, the transfer gear arrangements 3127, 3132, 3147,or 3148 may be configured to alter the torque and speed profiles of theelectric machines such that symmetric motors may be used, or such thatconfigurable combinations of asymmetric machines are feasible.

Referring now to FIGS. 35-38, in certain embodiments, during operationof the CVED 3110, the first motor/generator 3111 may be connected to thering member 3114 and may be a low-speed, high-torque device used intorque control mode. The second motor/generator 3112 may be ahigh-speed, low-torque device connected to the sun member 3116 and usedin speed control mode. Output of the CVED 3110 may be taken from thecarrier 3115. The high-ratio traction drive transmission functions as asumming planetary and each motor/generator may be controlled to performin a peak efficiency region as vehicle speed and power requirementschange throughout operation.

Referring now to FIG. 35, in certain embodiments, operatingcharacteristics of the first electric motor/generator 3111 may bedepicted by a line 3253 on a chart 3250. The chart 3250 has an x-axis berepresenting motor speed (rpm) 3251 and a y-axis be representing motortorque (Nm) 3252. Operating characteristics of the second electricmotor/generator 3112 may be depicted by a line 3254 on the chart 3250.

In certain embodiments, a relationship between the first motor/generator3111 and the second motor/generator 3112 for torque and for speed aregenerally defined by the following equations:

T _(MG1) =T _(MG2) *e ₁

T _(carrier) =T _(MG1)((e ₁+1)/e ₁)=T _(MG2)(e ₁+1)

T _(carrier) =T _(MG1) −T _(MG2)

ω_(MG2)=ω_(carrier)(e ₁+1)−ω_(MG1) *e ₁

Where T_(MG1) may be the torque of the first motor/generator, T_(MG2)may be the torque of the second motor/generator, and e₁ may be thering-to-sun (RTS) ratio of the high-ratio traction drive transmission3113. Where ω_(MG1) may be the speed of the first motor/generator 3111,ω_(MG2) may be the speed of the second motor/generator 3112, andω_(carrier) may be the speed of the carrier 3115. From theserelationships, it may be observed that as e₁ increases, the torquemultiplication of the second motor/generator 3112 gets larger, and thatthe torque multiplication of the first motor/generator 3111 getssmaller, such that the output torque of the summing planetary 3113 atcarrier 3115 may be always equal to the sum of the motor/generatortorques and may be independent of the choice of the ring to sun ratioe₁. It should be appreciated that the mechanical point for an electrichybrid powertrain may be characterized by a non-zero vehicle speed, ornon-zero transmission output speed, and a near zero electric machinespeed. A pseudo mechanical point exists where each motor, for examplethe first motor/generator 3111 or the second motor/generator 3112, maybe at 0 speed. Pseudo-mechanical point refers to the concept thatalthough there may be no mechanical power transmission through theplanetary from an ICE as in a hybrid vehicle, the equivalent concept ofreducing electrical power consumption by operating one machine near zerospeed still applies. A two-degree of freedom system, such as the CVED3110, allows the mechanical point to be shifted with carrier speed(proportional to vehicle speed) and shifted based on speed command ofMG2. A first pseudo mechanical point (psm₁) may be feasible at lowervehicle speeds and a second pseudo mechanical point (psm₂) may beappropriate for higher vehicle speeds. The following equations depictthe relationship, wherein ω_(out) may be the speed of the output:

psm₁@ω_(out)=ω_(MG2)/(e ₁+1)

psm₂@ω_(out)=ω_(MG1) *e ₁/(e ₁+1)

Referring now to FIG. 36, during operation of a vehicle equipped withthe CVED 3110, the power ratio between the first motor/generator 3111and the second motor/generator 3112 may be depicted in the chart 3260versus time. The power ratio between motor/generators may be variableand may be a resultant of the control method and vehicle speed/loadprofiles. Once both motor/generators are above base speed (defined asconstant power region) then the power ratio may be thus constant. Thetorque ratio between the first motor/generator 3111 and the secondmotor/generator 3112 may be depicted on the chart 3265 versus time. Thetorque ratio may be constant and equal to the ring to sun ratio “e₁” ofthe summing planetary. A chart 3270 depicts the component speeds for thecarrier 3115 and the first motor/generator 3111 and the secondmotor/generator 3112 versus time. A chart 3275 depicts the componenttorques for the carrier 3115 and the first motor/generator 3111 and thesecond motor/generator 3112 versus time. It should be understood thatthe legend shown in the chart 3270 is also applicable to the chart 3275.For an acceleration of a vehicle from a stop to a cruise speed, thecarrier output torque curve may be essentially flat across the majorityof the usable vehicle speed range. For reference, if the firstmotor/generator 3111 torque controlled motor was connected to equivalentgearing in a single motor configuration with the inherent constraints ofvehicle speed, the motor base speed would be exceeded, and torqueproduction would drop at a significantly lower vehicle speed.

Turning now to FIGS. 37-38, a function of the motor control system maybe to fix the operating point of the first motor/generator 3111 in boththe speed and torque domain by altering the speed setpoint of the secondmotor/generator 3112. The variogram shown in FIG. 34 illustrates thecomplete operating range of a two DOF system within the motor speed andtorque constraints.

Turning now to FIG. 37, in certain embodiments, an electric motorcontroller 3280 may be implemented for control of the CVED 3110.

In certain embodiments, the electric motor controller 3280 has a numberof software modules configured to control operation of the firstmotor/generator 3111 and the second motor/generator 3112. For clarityand conciseness, only relevant aspects of the electric motor controller3280 are described herein.

In certain embodiments, the electric motor controller 3280 includes amotor/generator speed and torque control module 3290 configured toreceive a carrier speed signal 3282 indicative of the speed of thecarrier 3115.

In certain embodiments, the motor/generator speed and torque controlmodule 3290 receives a target first motor/generator speed signal 3283indicative of the target speed of the first motor/generator 3112.

In certain embodiments, the motor/generator speed and torque controlmodule 3290 receives a target axle torque signal 3284. Road load anddriver demand are accounted for in the target axle torque signal 3284,and thereby factor into the torque command for the first motor/generator3111.

In certain embodiments, an optimization routine sets the target firstmotor/generator speed signal 3283 based on efficiency of both the firstmotor/generator 3111 and the second motor/generator 3112, among manyother factors such as vehicle speed, battery state of charge, anaccelerator pedal position, and road load. Since the operation point ofthe first motor/generator 3111 are set in both speed and torque domain,the second motor/generator speed command 3285 may be solved based on thelever equation as the carrier 3115 speed changes with vehicle speed.

In certain embodiments, the motor/generator speed and torque controlmodule 3290 returns a first motor/generator torque command 3286.

The motor/generator speed and torque control module 3290 determines aspeed command signal 3285 for the second motor/generator 3112.

Referring now to FIG. 38, in certain embodiments, the motor/generatorspeed and torque control module 3290 receives the carrier speed signal3282 and multiplies by the RTS ratio 3292 added to unity.

In certain embodiments, the target first motor/generator speed signal3283 may be multiplied by the RTS ratio 3292 forming a product that maybe subtracted from the product of the carrier speed signal 3282 and theRTS ratio 3292 added to unity.

In certain embodiments, the motor/generator speed and torque controlmodule 3290 applies limits to the speed of the second motor/generator3112, for example, at the block 3293 and sends the speed command signal3285 for the second motor/generator 3112.

In certain embodiments, the motor/generator speed and torque controlmodule 3290 receives target axle torque signal 3284 and multiplies bythe RTS ratio 3292 and passes the product to be divided by the RTS ratio3292 added to unity.

In certain embodiments, the motor/generator speed and torque controlmodule 3290 applies limits to the torque of the first motor/generator3111, for example, at the block 3294 and sends the torque command signal3286 for the first motor/generator 3111.

In certain embodiments, the speed constraints for the secondmotor/generator 3112 are applied around zero speed, otherwise in the lowvehicle speed case with a high target first motor/generator speed, thesecond motor/generator speed command signal 3285 will be negative.

In certain embodiments, for example electric drivetrain implementing apowered carrier, the second motor/generator speed command signal 3285may be negative, and the second motor/generator 3112 could absorb poweroff an engine while generating. It should be noted that in generatormode with positive speed for the second motor/generator 3112, and duringregenerative braking, the sign of torque changes (positive speed,negative torque).

Referring to FIG. 39, in certain embodiments, an electric hybridpowertrain 4100 includes an engine 4101, or other source of rotationalpower, a first electric/motor generator 4102 and a second electric/motorgenerator 4103 operably coupled with a traction drive transmission 4104.

In certain embodiments, the traction drive transmission 4104 includes aring member 4105, a traction roller carrier 4106, and a sun member 4107.In certain embodiments, the electric hybrid powertrain 4100 includes afirst clutch 4108 configured to selectively couple the ring member 4105and a grounded member of the powertrain 4100, such as a non-rotatablehousing (not shown). In certain embodiments, the electric hybridpowertrain 4100 includes a second clutch 4109 configured to selectivelycouple the ring member 4105 and the first motor generator 4102. Incertain embodiments, the electric hybrid powertrain 4100 includes athird clutch 4110 configured to selectively couple the firstmotor/generator 4102 and the engine 4101. In certain embodiments, thesecond motor/generator 103 may be coupled to the sun member 4107. Incertain embodiments, the traction roller carrier 4106 may be configuredto transmit rotational power in or out of the electric hybrid powertrain4100. It should be noted that the dashed lines around the carrier 4106represent the axial displacement inherent to the axial loading mechanismfor devices of axis type.

Referring now to FIG. 40, during operation of the electric hybridpowertrain 4100, multiple operating modes are achieved throughengagement and disengagement of the clutches. For example, a firstelectric mode of operation corresponds to a condition when the engine4101 may be off, the first clutch 4108 may be engaged to thereby couplethe ring member 4105 to ground, while the second clutch 4109 and thethird clutch 4110 are disengaged. In certain embodiments, a secondelectric mode of operation corresponds to a condition when the engine4101 may be off, the second clutch 4109 may be engaged to thereby couplethe ring member 4105 to the first motor/generator 4102, while the firstclutch 4108 and the third clutch 4110 are disengaged. In certainembodiments, the electric hybrid powertrain 4100 operates in a serieshybrid mode corresponding to the engine 4101 running, the first clutch4108 engaged, and the third clutch 4110 engaged, while the second clutch4109 may be disengaged. In certain embodiments, the electric hybridpowertrain 4100 operates in an output split operating mode correspondingto the engine 4101 running, the second clutch 4109 engaged, the thirdclutch 4110 engaged, while the first clutch 4108 may be disengaged.

Referring now to FIG. 41, in certain embodiments, an electric hybridpowertrain 4120 includes an engine 4121, or other source of rotationalpower, a first electric/motor generator 4122 and a second electric/motorgenerator 4123 operably coupled with a traction drive transmission 4124.In certain embodiments, the traction drive transmission 4124 includes aring member 4125 operably coupled to the second motor/generator 4123, arotatable traction roller carrier 4126 coupled to the engine 4121through a one-way clutch 4128, and a sun member 4127 coupled to thefirst motor/generator 4122. In certain embodiments, the electric hybridpowertrain 4120 may be provided with a transfer gear 4129 coupled to thesecond motor/generator 4123 and the ring member 4125. In certainembodiments, the carrier 4126 may be configured to transmit rotationalpower in and out of the electric hybrid powertrain 4120. It should benoted that the dashed lines around the carrier 4126 represent the axialdisplacement inherent to the axial loading mechanism for devices of axistype.

Referring now to FIG. 42, in certain embodiments, an electric hybridpowertrain 4130 includes an engine 4131, or other source of rotationalpower, a first electric/motor generator 4132 and a second electric/motorgenerator 4133 operably coupled with a first traction drive transmission4134. In certain embodiments, the first traction drive transmission 4134includes a first ring member 4135 coupled to the engine 4131 through aone-way clutch 4138, a first rotatable traction roller carrier 4136, anda first sun member 4137 coupled to the first motor/generator 4132. Incertain embodiments, the electric hybrid powertrain 4130 includes asecond traction drive transmission 4139 having a second ring member4140, a second rotatable traction roller carrier 4143, and a second sunmember 4144. In certain embodiments, the second ring member 4140 may beselectively coupled to the first sun member 4137 through a first clutch4141. In certain embodiments, the second ring member 4140 may beselectively coupled to ground through a second clutch 4142. In certainembodiments, the second sun member 4144 may be coupled to the secondmotor/generator 4133. In certain embodiments, the second rotatabletraction roller carrier 4143 may be configured to transmit rotationalpower in and out of the electric hybrid powertrain 130. It should benoted that the dashed lines around the carrier 4136, 4143 represent theaxial displacement inherent to the axial loading mechanism for devicesof axis type.

Referring to FIG. 43, in certain embodiments, an electric hybridpowertrain 4200 includes an engine 4201, a first motor/generator 4202,and a second motor/generator 4203 operably coupled by a planetary gearset 4204. In certain embodiments, the planetary gear set 4204 includes aring gear 4205 operably coupled to the second motor/generator 4203, aplanet carrier 4206 operably coupled to the engine 4201, and a sun gear4207 operably coupled to the first motor/generator 4202. In certainembodiments, a one-way clutch 4208 may be provided to couple the engine4201 to the planet carrier 4206. In certain embodiments, a transfer gearset 4209 may be provided to couple the second motor/generator 4203 tothe ring gear 4205. It should be appreciated that the planetary gear set4204 and the transfer gear set 4209 implement gears having meshingteeth. As described herein, the planetary gear set 4204 and the transfergear set 4209 may be configured to be traction drive transmissions.

Referring to FIG. 44, in certain embodiments, an electric hybridpowertrain 4210 includes an engine 4211, a first motor/generator 4212,and a second motor/generator 4213 operably coupled by a planetary gearset 4214. In certain embodiments, the planetary gear set 4214 includes aring gear 4215 operably coupled to the second motor/generator 4213, aplanet carrier 4216 operably coupled to the engine 4211, and a sun gear4217 operably coupled to the first motor/generator 4212. In certainembodiments, a one-way clutch 4218 may be provided to couple the engine4211 to the planet carrier 4216. In certain embodiments, a transfer gearset 4219 may be provided to couple the second motor/generator 4213 tothe ring gear 4215. In certain embodiments, the transfer gear set 4219may be configured as an offset type traction drive transmission such asthe offset type traction drive transmission shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, forexample. The transfer gear set 4219 may be provided with a ring member4220 operably coupled to the ring gear 4215. In certain embodiments, thetransfer gear set 4219 may be provided with a non-rotatable tractionplanet carrier 4221. The transfer gear set 4219 includes a sun member4222 coupled to the second motor/generator 4213. It should be noted thatthe traction planet carrier 4221 may be depicted offset from the sunmember 4222 to represent the radial displacement of the centerlines ofthe sun member 4222 and the ring member 4220 with respect to each other.

Referring to FIG. 45, in certain embodiments, an electric hybridpowertrain 4225 includes an engine 4226, a first motor/generator 4227,and a second motor/generator 4228 operably coupled by a planetary gearset 4229. In certain embodiments, the planetary gear set 4229 includes aring gear 4230 operably coupled to the second motor/generator 4228, aplanet carrier 4231 operably coupled to the engine 4226, and a sun gear4232 operably coupled to the first motor/generator 4227. In certainembodiments, a one-way clutch 4233 may be provided to couple the engine4226 to the planet carrier 4231. In certain embodiments, a transfer gearset 4234 may be provided to couple the second motor/generator 4228 tothe ring gear 4230. In certain embodiments, the transfer gear set 4234may be configured as a high-ratio traction drive transmission such asthe high-ratio traction drive transmission shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, forexample. The transfer gear set 4234 may be provided with a ring member4235 operably coupled to the ring gear 4230. In certain embodiments, thetransfer gear set 4234 may be provided with a non-rotatable tractionplanet carrier 4236. The transfer gear set 4234 includes a sun member4237 coupled to the second motor/generator 4228. It should be noted thatthe dashed lines around the traction planet carrier 4236 represent theaxial displacement inherent to the axial loading mechanism for devicesof axis type.

Referring now to FIG. 46, in certain embodiments, a gear set 5001includes a first gear 5002 coupled to a second gear 5003 through ahelical tooth interface 5004.

In certain embodiments, the first gear 5002 may be provided with a firsttapered traction roller 5005 integral to one side of the first gear5002. The second gear 5003 may be provided with a second taperedtraction roller 5006 coupled to the first tapered traction roller 5005.The first tapered roller 5005 and the second tapered roller 5006 form atraction surface 5007, and operate in principle similar to the tractionengagement described in FIG. 1. In certain embodiments, the helicaltooth interface 5004 provides axial force support to the gear set 5001to thereby enable torque transfer through the traction surface 5007.

During operation of the gear set 5001, the first gear 5002 and thesecond gear 5003 transfer torque between rotating components at apredetermined gear ratio. The first tapered traction roller 5005 and thesecond tapered traction roller 5006 operate to mitigate any backlash inthe helical tooth interface 5004 as well as mitigation of gear noise,vibration, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 47, in certain embodiments, a traction drive 6010includes a first traction roller 6011 contacting a second tractionroller 6012 at a traction contact 6013. It should be appreciated thatthe traction drive 6010 may be a simplified representation of any powertransmission device utilizing traction as a means for powertransmission. The first traction roller 6011 and the second tractionroller 6012 are formed with non-uniform outer periphery surfaces so thatthe traction contact 6013 moves with respect to the outer peripheralsurface of the first traction roller 6011 and the second traction roller6012, respectively. As shown in FIG. 47, a traction contact path 6014represents the location on the surface of the first traction roller 6011that contacts the second traction roller 6012, and vice versa. Incertain embodiments, the traction contact path 6014 may be a non-linearpattern having a peek to valley distance 6015 that may be less than thewidth of the first traction roller 6011. In certain embodiments, thetraction contact path 6014 corresponds to a raised traction surfaceformed on the outer periphery of the first traction roller 6011.

In certain embodiments, the axial location of the raised tractionsurface with respect to the outer periphery may be non-linear. Duringoperation of the traction drive 6010, the non-uniform traction contactpath 6014 promotes traction fluid entrainment for the traction contact6013, which improves durability, power capacity, and thermal stability,among other benefits. In certain embodiments, the outer periphery of thefirst traction roller 6011 has a crowned shaped that may be non-uniformaround the circumference of the first traction roller. In certainembodiments, the outer periphery of the second traction roller 6012 hasa crowned shaped that may be non-uniform around the circumference of thesecond traction roller 6012.

While various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter havebeen described above, it should be understood that they have beenpresented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent topersons skilled in the relevant art(s) that the disclosed subject mattermay be embodied in other specific forms without departing from thespirit or essential characteristics thereof. The embodiments describedabove are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative,not restrictive.

What may be claimed is:
 1. An electric actuator device, comprising: atraction planetary device including a ring member, a carrier, and a sunmember; and an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupled toat least one of the ring member, the carrier, and the sun member.
 2. Theelectric actuator device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the ringmember, the carrier, and the sun member is configured to transferrotational power out of the electric actuator device.
 3. An electricpowertrain, comprising: a motor/generator; a first traction drivetransmission having a first ring member, a first non-rotatable tractionplanet carrier configured to support a plurality of traction rollers,and a first sun member coupled to the motor/generator; a second tractiondrive transmission having a second ring member, a second non-rotatabletraction planet carrier, and a second sun member coupled to the firstring member; a first pinion gear having a hollow central bore, the firstpinion gear coupled to the second ring member; and a shaft coupled tothe second sun member and the first ring member, the shaft passingthrough the hollow central bore.
 4. The electric powertrain of claim 3,further comprising a second pinion gear coupled to the first piniongear, the second pinion gear configured to transmit rotational power. 5.The electric powertrain of claim 3, wherein the plurality of tractionrollers are conical in shape.
 6. The electric powertrain of claim 3,wherein the first pinion gear is positioned between the motor/generatorand the first traction drive transmission.
 7. The electric powertrain ofclaim 3, wherein the first pinion gear is positioned between the firsttraction drive transmission and the second traction drive transmission.8. An electric powertrain, comprising: a first motor/generator; a secondmotor/generator; a traction drive transmission having a ring memberoperably coupled to the first motor/generator, a traction planet carrierconfigured to support a plurality of traction rollers, the carrierconfigured to transmit a rotational power, and a sun member operablycoupled to the second motor/generator; a first pinion gear having ahollow central bore, the first pinion gear coupled to the tractionplanet carrier; and a shaft coupled to the sun member and the firstmotor/generator, the shaft passing through the hollow central bore. 9.The electric powertrain of claim 8, further comprising a second piniongear coupled to the first pinion gear, the second pinion gear configuredto transmit rotational power.
 10. The electric powertrain of claim 8,wherein the plurality of traction rollers are conical in shape.
 11. Atraction drive transmission, comprising: a ring member having arotational center aligned along a main axis of the transmission; a firsttraction roller in contact with the ring member; a sun member having arotational center offset from the main axis, the sun member in contactwith the first traction roller, the sun member located radially inwardof the first traction roller; a first floating traction roller incontact with the ring member and the sun member; a first reaction rollerin contact with the first floating traction roller; and a carrierconfigured to support the reaction roller, the carrier configured to benon-rotatable.
 12. The traction drive transmission of claim 11, whereinthe carrier is configured to support the first floating traction roller.13. The traction drive transmission of claim 11, further comprising asecond reaction roller supported in the carrier.
 14. The traction drivetransmission of claim 13, further comprising a second floating roller incontact with the second reaction roller.
 15. A high-ratio traction drivetransmission, comprising: a first high-ratio simple planetary tractiondrive transmission including a first ring member, a first carrier, and afirst sun member; and a second high-ratio simple planetary tractiondrive transmission including a second ring member, a second carrier, anda second sun member, wherein the first high-ratio simple planetarytraction drive transmission is operably coupled to the second high-ratiosimple planetary traction drive transmission forming a first connectionand a second connection.
 16. A high-ratio traction drive transmission,comprising: a high-ratio simple planetary traction drive transmissionincluding a first ring member, a first carrier, and a first sun member;and a high-ratio compound planetary traction drive transmissionincluding a second ring member, a second carrier, and a second sunmember, wherein the high-ratio simple planetary traction drivetransmission is operably coupled to the high-ratio compound planetarytraction drive transmission forming a first connection and a secondconnection.
 17. A high-ratio traction drive transmission, comprising: afirst high-ratio compound planetary traction drive transmissionincluding a first ring member, a first carrier, and a first sun member;and a second high-ratio compound planetary traction drive transmissionincluding a second ring member, a second carrier, and a second sunmember, wherein the first high-ratio compound planetary traction drivetransmission is operably coupled to the second high-ratio compoundplanetary traction drive transmission forming a first connection and asecond connection.
 18. A continuously variable electric drivetrain,comprising: a first motor/generator; a second motor/generator; and ahigh-ratio traction drive transmission having a ring member operablycoupled to the first motor/generator, a carrier configured to support aplurality of traction rollers, and a sun member operably coupled to thesecond motor/generator, wherein the carrier is configured to transmit arotational power.
 19. The continuously variable electric drivetrain ofclaim 18, further comprising a first transfer gear coupled to the firstmotor/generator and the ring member.
 20. The continuously variableelectric drivetrain of claim 18, further comprising a second transfergear coupled to the second motor/generator and the sun member.
 21. Thecontinuously variable electric drivetrain of claim 18, wherein theplurality of traction rollers are conical in shape.
 22. The continuouslyvariable electric drivetrain of claim 18, wherein the firstmotor/generator is operated in at least one of a low-speed, high-torquemode and a high-speed, low-torque mode.
 23. A method of controlling acontinuously variable electric drivetrain, comprising the steps of:providing a first motor/generator, a second motor/generator, and ahigh-ratio traction drive transmission having a ring member operablycoupled to the first motor/generator, a carrier configured to support aplurality of traction rollers and configured to transmit a rotationalpower, and a sun member operably coupled to the second motor/generator;receiving a carrier speed signal, a target first motor/generator speedsignal, and a target axle torque signal; determining a firstmotor/generator torque command based at least in part on the target axletorque signal; and determining a second motor/generator speed commandbased at least in part on the carrier speed signal and the target firstmotor/generator speed signal.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein thestep of determining the first motor/generator torque command based atleast in part on the target axle torque signal includes applying a limitto the torque of the first motor/generator.
 25. The method of claim 23,wherein the step of determining the second motor/generator speed commandbased at least in part on the carrier speed signal and the target firstmotor/generator speed signal includes applying a limit to the speed ofthe second motor/generator.
 26. An electric hybrid powertrain,comprising: an engine; a first motor/generator; a secondmotor/generator; and a traction drive transmission operably coupled tothe first motor/generator and the second motor/generator, the tractiondrive transmission including a ring member, a rotatable traction rollercarrier, and a sun member.
 27. The electric hybrid powertrain of claim26, further comprising a first clutch configured to selectively couplethe ring member to a ground.
 28. The electric hybrid powertrain of claim27, further comprising a second clutch configured to selectively couplethe ring member and the first motor/generator.
 29. The electric hybridpowertrain of claim 26, wherein the second motor/generator is coupled tothe sun member.
 30. The electric hybrid powertrain of claim 28, furthercomprising a third clutch configured to selectively couple the engine tothe first motor/generator.
 31. An electric hybrid powertrain,comprising: an engine; a first motor/generator; a secondmotor/generator; and a traction drive transmission operably coupled tothe first motor/generator and the second motor/generator, the tractiondrive transmission including a ring member operably coupled to thesecond motor/generator, a rotatable traction roller carrier operablycoupled to the engine, and a sun member operably coupled to the firstmotor/generator.
 32. An electric hybrid powertrain, comprising: anengine; a first motor/generator; a second motor/generator; a firsttraction drive transmission including a first ring member operablycoupled to the engine, a first rotatable traction roller carrier, and afirst sun member operably coupled to the first motor/generator; and asecond traction drive transmission including a second ring memberselectively coupled to the first sun member, a second rotatable tractionroller carrier operably coupled to the first rotatable traction rollercarrier, and a second sun member operably coupled to the secondmotor/generator.
 33. The electric hybrid powertrain of claim 32, whereinthe second ring member is selectively coupled to the first sun memberthrough a first clutch.
 34. The electric hybrid powertrain of claim 32,wherein in the second ring member is selectively coupled to groundthrough a second clutch.
 35. An electric hybrid powertrain, comprising:an engine; a first motor/generator; a second motor/generator; aplanetary gear set including a ring gear, a planet carrier operablycoupled to the engine, and a sun gear coupled to the first motorgenerator; and a traction drive transmission operably coupled to thesecond motor/generator and the ring gear.
 36. The electric hybridpowertrain of claim 35, wherein the traction drive transmission includesa ring member coupled to the ring gear, a non-rotatable traction planetcarrier, and a sun member coupled to the second motor/generator.
 37. Theelectric hybrid powertrain of claim 35, further comprising a one-wayclutch coupled to the engine and the planet carrier.
 38. The electrichybrid powertrain of claim 35, wherein the traction drive transmissionis an off-set type traction drive transmission.
 39. The electric hybridpowertrain of claim 35, wherein the traction drive transmission isprovided with conical traction rollers supported in the non-rotatabletraction planet carrier.
 40. A traction drive transmission, comprising:a ring member having a rotational center aligned along a main axis be ofthe transmission; a first traction roller in contact with the ringmember; a sun member having a rotational center offset from the mainaxis, the sun member in contact with the first traction roller, the sunmember located radially inward of the first traction roller; a firstfloating traction roller in contact with the ring member and the sunmember; a first reaction roller in contact with the first floatingtraction roller; and a carrier configured to support the first reactionroller, the carrier configured to be non-rotatable.
 41. The tractiondrive transmission of claim 40, wherein the carrier is configured tosupport the first traction roller.
 42. The traction drive transmissionof claim 40, further comprising a second reaction roller supported inthe carrier.
 43. The traction drive transmission of claim 42, furthercomprising a second floating roller in contact with the second reactionroller.
 44. A gear set, comprising: a first gear having a first set ofhelical teeth and a first tapered traction roller; and a second gearhaving a second set of helical teeth and a second tapered tractionroller, wherein the first set of helical teeth engage the second set ofhelical teeth, and wherein the first tapered traction roller is coupledto the second tapered traction roller to form a traction surface.
 45. Atraction drive, comprising: a first traction roller having an outerperiphery; and a second traction roller having an outer periphery;wherein the first traction roller is in contact with the second tractionroller at a traction contact, and wherein the traction contact forms atraction contact path on the outer periphery of the first tractionroller in a non-linear pattern.
 46. The traction drive of claim 45,wherein the first traction roller further comprises a raised tractionsurface located on the outer periphery, wherein the axial location ofthe traction surface with respect to the outer periphery is non-linear.